The Reunion

         Madelaine Boroughs walked into the dimly lit gym of her high school and glanced at the familiar faces half hidden in shadows. "Unchained Melody" played softly in the background and people began to crowd the gym floor. Gray and blue streamers, the school colors, hung from the rafters, some dangerously close to candles. It took a few moments for her eyes to become accustomed to the sparse light thrown by candles and paper lanterns. After her blue eyes focused she began looking for him. Her high school love, Brett Jacobs.

         It was a bit oxy moronish she knew, "high school love"; she didn't know what love was until she met him, and he, she was sure had no clue either, but that's what it developed into she was sure. They had dated on and off for three years, fighting most of the time. Though it could be passionate, and the good times outweighed the bad, their theme song was "Against All Odds", and accurately summed up their relationship. But their love was an intense one that could not be easily cast aside; she was sure he loved her too and would one day return.

         Brett was an overweight star football player, who had more charisma and wit than looks, and she was a slender track star who could be beautiful when she wanted but gave her heart too easily. He could effortessly turn on the charm and have his pick of their school, she on the other hand only wanted him. She loved him to the depth of insanity and he smiled at her affection every now and then acting as instant Prozac.

         She had left Alabama for college in Colorado and they ended their relationship two weeks into the quarter. Brett had stayed in their hometown and told her he couldn't be trusted without constant supervision; she reluctantly agreed, and he broke the relationship off despite her pleadings and sobs.

         She dated occasionally, but never completely recovered from him. When she would come home for Christmas and summer break they would "accidentally" meet every now and then. Usually he took her to the drive-in and the night concluded with sex in the bed of his truck. The last time they met she was 20 with a bad dye job and he was playing college ball with a broken wrist.

         Madelaine recognized most of her 59 classmates, but she had lost contact with most and was embarrassed to ask if Brett was also here. Soon dread set in that she wasted 500 dollars for a plane ticket and her mother's constant nagging of grandchildren, for nothing.

         Then she spotted him leaning against a wall with a drink in his hand. He had his Varsity jacket on with khaki's that brought out his dusky complexion. The candlelight hid him somewhat mysteriously in the shadows. Madelaine walked timidly over to him, hoping time had been as kind to her as him. Brett looked the same as he had eight years ago when she spent the night with him for the last time. He lost some weight, but it suited him. His hair was still cut close to his head and he kept the goatee she so hated.

         She adjusted her skirt and felt like the insecure high school girl that fell in love with him long ago. Madelaine smoothed her auburn hair and licked her lips in anticipation of the reunion. He turned toward her and his eyes smiled.

         "Maddy," he smiled and went to give her a hug. Thank God, she breathed a sigh of relief at his warmness, He remembers me. "Maddy, Maddy, Maddy, look at you. How are you? God when was the last time I saw you?" he asked. She stood there with an insipid smile plastered on her face. "Oh, I remember," he grinned. "The back of my truck right?"

         She nodded,"Yeah." She still smiled at him, the same lovey school girl smile she hated. She had promised herself she wouldn't be the bumbling fall at his feet girl she had once been. Madelaine had swore she would be cool and indifferent and make him beg for her time for a change. But even when she tried that trick in high school it earned her little if any results. And in the end made her even more miserable by ostracizing him with harsh words she didn't mean one bit.

         "Where are you at now? We lost touch long ago," he spoke and embraced her once again. Madelaine was thankful he kept the conversation going and expected no response from her. She looked to his left hand. No ring.

         "Connecticut. I have my own veterinary clinic there, and my own house and three cats-" she stopped herself. "I'm babbling," she gasped. He roared a deep laugh and people looked in their direction. Just like in high school, everyone looking at Maddy and Brett for the latest scandal, she thought.

         "Still the same Maddy, huh?" he ask and led her over to the table where he was sitting. "You seeing anyone?" he casually inquired.

         "No," she replied and took the drink he offered her. "I've thought about you alot Brett. I mean-almost everyday," she gushed and then added coldly, "Don't let that go to your head though."

         "I think of you often too, Mads."

         "You do?" she asked in disbelief.

         "You sound surprised," he chuckled.

         "I am, I guess. You never reminded me of someone who really cared."

         "Oh come now, that hurt Madelaine, you know I cared about you, I still care," he smiled mischievously. She felt her heart flutter. Damn him, she thought, why does he have to be so charming?

         "Want to dance?" he asked and offered his hand.

         "Remember that one time when we danced in the field? I snuck out-"

         "And your mom threatened me within an inch of my life?" he laughed.

         "You always said you'd never let our daughter date someone like you," she reminded him as he put his arm around her waist. She instinctively laid her head on his broad shoulder. He moved his hand lower on her back. Madelaine knew she loved him in high school, but it had never felt as right or as sure as it did now.

 "I said a lot of stupid things that probably broke your heart," Brett stonily said. "I missed you though."

         "Me too, I've missed you. I've missed being with you."

         "Yeah me too," Brett responded.

         "You know I still love you Brett Jacobs," Madelaine revealed and looked into his blue eyes, looking for encouragement. "I've never gotten over you. I sound pathetic, 28 years old and I still have a crush," she sighed.

         "You're not pathetic," Brett disagreed. "Maybe desperate, but you Madelaine Boroughs pathetic? Ha."

         He led her by the hand back to their table. They sat together, the crowd blocked out, and reminisced about their long dormant romance. It was like old times, the times she longed for and only he could provide. He was the same Brett, the sarcastic, insecure shell of a man she loved, and she was the same jealous, heart on her sleeve Madelaine.

         "I need to tell you something Brett," Madelaine began. He motioned for her to continue. "I came to see you, and just you, whatever happened to us? I want to be Maddy and Brett again. You, yourself said in this gym, we were perfect for one another," she spilled. He began to speak, but she silenced him. "Please Brett come with me tonight, we've used each other before but I don't want to be used tonight. I just want you again, please. I love you, Brett. And I know deep down that you love me too, or did love me," Madelaine finished. Dammit, Maddy, what happened to the cool and reserved approach?.

         "That's the champagne talking," he told her roughly and took a drink of his beer. She shook her head. "Besides," he added. "You don't want me. I'm not the same person you fell in love with. I've changed, but God Maddy you haven't."

         "Still the same, you hate hearing other people's feelings. You don't know what I want Brett; I'm telling you. I want you tonight. I've always wanted you. You said you thought of me often, don't you still care?" she asked on the verge of tears.

         "Aww sure I still care kid," Brett answered. He looked toward the door.

         "You planning an escape?" she sniffed. "You were always a master at the art of running away. So go Brett, go escape before you start to grow feelings."

         "No," he replied and motioned for someone to come over to them.

         "Brett, please, listen to me," Madelaine pleaded again. "I love you. Doesn't that mean anything anymore?"

         A blonde woman approached their table. She was attractive with a pleasant smile and resembled a girl a few years below her in school.

         "You remember Madelaine don't you Honey?" he ask the woman. She nodded and thrust her hand forward. Honey something or other, Madelaine remembered, she used to have a crush on Brett when we were dating. I hope he didn't bring her over so he could see which one of us will fight for him.

         "Maddy," Brett began. "This is Honey Wells, my fiance." Madelaine was speechless. What do you say to someone who's heard you say it all?

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